Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
44. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the minimum hourly rate of pay under the JobsPlus scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14030/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the JobsPlus Scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14031/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed. The employment offered must be of a full-time nature of at least 30 hours per week over four days and must not displace existing employment. Since July 2013, 18,940 jobseekers have confirmed their eligibility for JobsPlus, of which 4,424 are currently in employment.
Employee pay rates are a matter for agreement between the employer and employee. Under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, employees are entitled to a minimum wage, currently €8.65 per hour. Employers recruiting under the JobsPlus initiative are required to comply with the Act and other statutory provisions in respect of pay and conditions.
The Department collects data from employers in respect of expected pay levels at registration and this indicates that over 80% of employers at the time of recruitment intended to pay above the minimum pay rate. This is considered reasonable given that starting pay rates will inevitably be lower than standard pay rates within an employment. The Department has commenced structured monitoring of employers and also consults separately with employees on the operation of JobsPlus. The Department also reserves the right to withdraw the wage subsidy from any employer who acts in manner inconsistent with the terms of JobsPlus or fails to meet the statutory requirements with respect to pay.
